The path to potential career redemption for Nnamdi Asomugha could lead back to the Bay Area.

The former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback, released by the team last week, will visit the San Francisco 49ers Thursday, according to a person informed of the meeting. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the team doesn't confirm free-agents visits.

Asomugha built a reputation as one of the best cornerbacks in the game during his time with the Oakland Raiders from 2003-10. His long frame and speed allowed him to play aggressive, at-the-line man coverage that discouraged opposing quarterbacks from throwing his way. (To be fair, the Raiders often weren't very good, so there were plenty of other spots to target.)

But Asomugha then went to Philadelphia as part of a big free agent haul in 2011 that never got close to the heights expected and led to the firing of coach Andy Reid this January. Asomugha, the crown jewel of that free-agent class, struggled mightily at first when asked to play off the line and in zone coverage.

Last season, even when he was in man coverage and tight to the wide receiver at the line, he still didn't play very well.

Enter the Niners, who will surely be looking for a short-term, bargain deal considering Asomugha's recent struggles and the overall sluggish market for corners. San Francisco plays a lot of man coverage underneath a two-safety look, meaning the scheme will be more toward Asomugha's liking than what he saw during his early days with the Eagles. Still, some have questioned whether Asomugha's diminished speed will prevent him from ever getting close to top form once again.

Asomugha pocketed $4 million guaranteed this season from the Eagles and there's no offset in that deal, meaning whatever he makes from San Francisco or whomever employs him next will be on top of the $4 million from Philly.

The Niners will continue to meet with former Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson Thursday. By the end of the day, both Woodson and Asomugha could be in the fold.